Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The Philippine News Service would like to provide information about swine flu to our school districts, parents and the community and to monitor developments nationally and internationally.

Below are some of the most current and informative links about the topic.Here are some facts:

Swine flu is a respiratory (breathing) infection caused by influenza viruses found in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Please see your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

Swine flu is spread person to person through coughing and sneezing from infected people. It cannot be transmitted by eating pork or pork products.

The most effective precautions for you and your family to take are the following:

If you are sick, stay home from school or work to avoid contact with other people and risk infecting them.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.